Matt 14:25-31: Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him.
The part where Peter walked on the water really stuck out. The Bible says Peter WALKED.
It was the 4th watch. Probably the sun was just starting to break. Between the dim light and the wind and waves, Jesus was far enough from the boat making it hard for the disciple to recognize him. Let’s say Jesus was at least 25 yards from their boat. That means at least 25 steps. When Peter walked on the water, he had to take at least 25 steps to be within arms reach of Jesus. The Bible says Jesus reached out and caught Peter. Peter started out strong but “petered” out.
I see a lot of Peter in me. Maybe you see some of Peter in you. Start out strong. Life always buffeting us, we don’t notice, then it weakens our convictions.
In November, we pledge our support to missions. We state our monthly amount we will allocate to the various missionaries around the world. January comes and we boldly write the first checks. February, we are still going strong and place our money in as the offering goes by. March the dishwasher breaks and the missions money sticks to our fingers just a bit longer than before. April, we need new tires for the car. May, college tuition is due. The winds of living start to press in. We weaken in our conviction. We start out walking. We start out strong. Then, we notice life.
In Galatians 6:9-10, we read, “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.”
#offeringthoughts
Copyright © 2017, David A. Zimmer, All Rights Reserved